Readings and Themes for the Weekend of July 19, 2009

Readings for Faith Sharing
Week of July 19, 2009,
Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reading I Jeremiah 23:1-6

God will gather the remnant of the flock and appoint shepherds to lead them.

Psalm 23

“The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.”

Reading II Ephesians 2:13-18

Jesus came to preach peace to all.

Gospel Mark 6:30-34

Jesus was moved with pity when he saw the vast crowd, for they were like sheep without a shepherd.

THEME:
Sometimes we need to pause for rest with Jesus.

Today’s Gospel passage is one of the most moving in all of scripture. Jesus looks out on the crowd and is moved with pity for them, for they “were like sheep without a shepherd.” Apparently sheep are not the brightest of God’s creatures and are in constant need of their shepherd. One might wonder what the attitude of Christ is today as he gazes on this world of ours. Is he moved to pity because we, too, are like sheep without a shepherd? Let us pray that God’s word proclaimed this day will inspire us to cling to the Good Shepherd and listen to his teachings.

Question for Children:

How do you keep Sunday a day of rest?

Question for Youth:

Jesus was moved with pity for the people who were gathered. Who are the people you are moved with pity for? What can you do to help them?

Question for Adults:

Why is rest important and how do you make sure you get enough of it in your own life?